With the National Football League season about to kick off on Sept. 9 when the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots square off, all eyes will turn to fashion — at least the eyes of the fashion community.
Two years ago, the NFL hired its first fashion editor, L.A.-based stylist Kyle Smith, who helps players update their style and also paves the way for them to partner with fashion brands — a mission that gives the National Basketball League, with its now-famous tunnel walks, a run for their money.
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“Our players are so fashionable,” Smith said. “They’re young men and they love fashion and understand the impact it can have. And the brands really see an opportunity with the visibility of the tunnel to get pieces on the players. It’s a great way to celebrate men’s fashion.”
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WWD asked Smith to single out a few NFL players — both established and up-and-coming — who are bound to become Instagram-famous for their style this season. Here’s his list:
Odell Beckham Jr.
Team: New York Giants
Position: Wide receiver
Years in the league: 12
Fashion sense: “He always embraced fashion and I’m excited to see what he’ll be wearing in the tunnel.”
Quentin Lake
Team: Los Angeles Rams
Position: Safety
Years in the league: 5
Fashion sense: “He’s so kind and you can actually tell that through his clothes. He’s cool and effortless and is an example that not everything has to be expensive.”
Will Anderson Jr.
Team: Houston Texans
Position: Defensive end
Years in the league: 3
Fashion sense: “He just started working with a stylist and at 6’4”, he’s larger than life, but he still looks really great.”
Caleb Williams
Team: Chicago Bears
Position: Quarterback
Years in the league: 3
Fashion sense: “He really shows his personality through his clothing and he’s always wearing wired headphones as an accessory and carrying a matcha latte.”
Jaxson Dart
Team: New York Giants
Position: Quarterback
Years in the league: 2
Fashion sense: “He’s a fashionista. He loves fashion — he gets that from his mom — and has good range. He’s in the new Abercrombie & Fitch campaign and he’s going to be on the same team as OBJ, so that should be interesting.”
Mike Sainristil
Team: Washington Commanders
Position: Cornerback
Years in the league: 3
Fashion sense: “He styles himself very well. He holds a bag like he’s on a runway in Milan, but he makes it his own.”
Sonny Styles
Team: Washington Commanders
Position: Linebacker
Years in the league: Rookie
Fashion sense: “He grew up with fashion and at the draft, he brought his whole family with him [by wearing a custom jacket with a lining that featured photos of his family].”
Fernando Mendoza
Team: Las Vegas Raiders
Position: Quarterback
Years in the league: Rookie (Heisman Trophy winner)
Fashion sense: “I’ve spoken to him about fashion, and right now, he wants to make sure his focus is on the game. But I’m curious to see what he’ll be wearing this season since the Raiders are one of the best-dressed teams, so there may be pressure.”
